Mining Target Environmental Surveillance Study: Nitropropane Sensitized, Ammonium Nitrate Blasting Agents

摘要

Nitropropane sensitized ammonium nitrate blasting agents are being field tested at several locations so that they may be routinely used in the future. This report is an initial evaluation of potential health hazards resulting from use in the field. An evaluation of work practices at the facility surveyed revealed that poor work practices resulted in unnecessary exposure to 1-nitropropane and methyl alcohol. Recommendations were made to reduce this unnecessary exposure. As a result of this survey, NIOSH sampling and analysis method S-59 for methyl alcohol was tested and determined to be unsuitable for field use. Direct reading indicator tubes were found to be a good method of screening to ensure low exposure levels are being maintained.